Challenges from the Grade's Top Ten

Another two days passed.

That morning, with only a few minutes left before martial arts class, the Elite Class broke from its usual routine. Everyone had come to the classroom.

"What's going on today? Teacher Zhang said he had something important to announce and told everyone to come."

The group chatted in the classroom, and before long, the topic turned to contracts again.

"Li Zhou still hasn't signed an A-Rank Contract. Apparently, the Three Great Martial Arts Gyms want to see how he performs in the Midterm Assessment."

"In all of Tianhai City, there are fewer than five people who can sign an A-Rank Contract."

"Ah, it's that strict? Li Zhou is already so strong, and he still isn't qualified?" Everyone was amazed.

The strict requirements of an A-Rank Contract gave everyone a sobering realization.

"Jiang Tao, why haven't you signed a contract yet?"

As Jiang Tao rested and drank some water, a figure suddenly appeared beside him and asked curiously.

He was a boy around 1.85 meters tall, lean and muscular, with a fairly handsome face.

His movements were nimble and graceful, his feet swift as the wind as he suddenly appeared beside Jiang Tao.

He was Qiu Jie, ranked tenth in the grade, nicknamed the Sudden Rain Spear.

"I'm waiting for Qi Ge. Whenever he signs, I'll sign," Jiang Tao said, looking toward Lin Qi in the distance.

Qiu Jie shook his head. "I just don't get it. Why do you call Lin Qi brother? He isn't even stronger than you."

"What gives him the right?"

"If that's how it works, you can call me Brother Qiu or Brother Jie." Qiu Jie laughed after saying that.

Jiang Tao's face instantly darkened. "What I call someone is none of your damn business. Get lost!"

"Alright, alright, don't get angry. I was just joking." Qiu Jie spread his hands in apology, then left after finding it boring.

"Don't get angry!" Lin Qi walked over and patted Jiang Tao's shoulder reassuringly.

"That Qiu Jie... I really want to tear his mouth apart. He actually tried to drive a wedge between us." Jiang Tao sneered.

Lin Qi narrowed his eyes as he watched Qiu Jie's retreating back.

Ring ring ring!!

Just then, the class bell rang, and Zhang Cheng strode into the classroom with a powerful presence.

His gaze swept across everyone, lingering especially on Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the other members of the Top Ten.

"I gathered everyone here today to announce something."

Zhang Cheng's voice was loud, and his expression was stern. Everyone knew that something important was about to be announced.

"Every November, the major high schools in Tianhai City hold a Martial Arts Exchange Tournament against one another to spar and improve their skills."

"But this year is different. Your opponents have been changed to the key high schools of Bailu City."

The room immediately erupted in an uproar.

"We actually have to compete? Do we need to participate?"

"This probably has nothing to do with us, right? The Exchange Tournament is usually between the strongest students from the two schools." Everyone discussed it among themselves.

"The rules are simple: each school sends ten people to fight one-on-one. The school with more victories wins." Zhang Cheng continued explaining the rules.

"These ten people will represent the school and Tianhai City in battle against Bailu City."

"This Exchange Tournament will be held in the Crimson Realm Arena. The other students can log onto the Official Website on their phones to watch when the time comes."

"Of course, anyone participating in the Exchange Tournament and fighting for our school and Tianhai City will receive a cash reward for every victory."

As soon as Zhang Cheng said that, many people's eyes lit up.

Lin Qi was no exception. He desperately needed money.

"Too bad I probably won't make the ten-person roster."

Lin Qi felt it was a pity.

"The names I call now will be the roster for this competition." Zhang Cheng began announcing the names one after another.

Everyone's anticipation instantly rose.

"First, Li Zhou!" Zhang Cheng called out.

The corners of Li Zhou's mouth lifted slightly, excitement showing in his eyes.

"Second, Yu Jing."

Yu Jing raised his head and rolled his neck.

"Third, Qi Yuelin."

Qi Yuelin's expression did not change.

"..."

"Seventh, Jiang Tao!"

Jiang Tao rubbed his fists together when he heard that. "Qi Ge, looks like I might have to go up alone this time."

Lin Qi shook his head.

"They're directly calling out the grade's Top Ten." Everyone began whispering among themselves.

Qiu Jie also smiled and puffed out his chest, waiting for his name to be called. Fighting for the school was a duty he could not refuse.

"Tenth, Lin Qi!" Zhang Cheng announced the final person, then looked at Lin Qi.

Lin Qi: "?"

Everyone: "?"

Qiu Jie froze on the spot, stiff as stone.

"Did I hear that right? Who? Lin Qi?" someone asked blankly.

Quite a few people in the class were stunned, looking toward Lin Qi in the corner, including Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the rest of the grade's Top Ten.

Lin Qi himself was also puzzled. Why had he been chosen?

"Damn, Qi Ge, we can fight side by side again." Jiang Tao ignored everyone else and happily threw an arm around Lin Qi.

Everyone then turned to look at martial arts teacher Zhang Cheng again.

"Who has objections to my roster?" Zhang Cheng asked.

The moment he finished speaking, someone in the crowd eagerly raised his hand.

"Me!"

Qiu Jie stepped forward, his face full of defiance. "Teacher Zhang, I'm not convinced!"

"Lin Qi is only ranked eighteenth in the grade. Why does he get a spot? Shouldn't it be me?"

Zhang Cheng's expression darkened, and a terrifying aura spread from his body.

"Are you questioning my decision?"

Qiu Jie felt as if a mountain had come crashing down on him, making it difficult to breathe.

"I wouldn't dare!" he said with his head lowered.

Zhang Cheng looked around, taking in everyone's expressions. He withdrew his aura and grinned.

"I know some people don't understand. Fine, Lin Qi and Qiu Jie, you two will fight a match."

"Whoever wins gets the final spot."

"To ensure absolute fairness, you can go to the Virtual Room. There, you can fight without holding back, and there will be no limits on vitality or Physical Fitness."

After saying that, he took the lead out of the classroom and headed for the Virtual Room. Qiu Jie immediately followed.

The curious students all followed in a great procession as well.

A moment later, all fifty students had gathered in the Virtual Room, surrounding Lin Qi and Qiu Jie.

"You two will enter the Crimson Realm Arena, select solo mode, and enable spectator mode," Zhang Cheng said from the side.

Qiu Jie glared resentfully at Lin Qi before entering a Virtual Cabin.

"Qi Ge, take down that bastard Qiu Jie. I believe you can do it." Jiang Tao's eyes were firm.

"I will!" Lin Qi let out a breath.

He entered a Virtual Cabin as well and logged into the Red Realm.

Beside them, Zhang Cheng operated the projection equipment, displaying a huge screen before everyone.

In the empty Arena, two spear-wielding figures appeared, one in black and one in blue.

In the Red Realm

Lin Qi changed into a Black Combat Suit and held a Black Great Spear.

Across from him, Qiu Jie had changed into a Blue Combat Suit, a white Long Spear resting on his shoulder.

"Teacher Zhang made a bad call, letting you steal my spot."

"What gives you the right?"

"Let me teach you how to use a Long Spear. Within ten moves, I'll use my spear to pierce your heart."

Qiu Jie sneered at Lin Qi, his eyes filled with mockery.

"Just a clown jumping around," Lin Qi said coldly.

"No matter how stubborn you are, it won't change the enormous gap in our strength."

[Solo Arena preparation begins!]
[3, 2, 1]
[The match has officially begun!]

As the Intelligent Female Voice announced it, Qiu Jie flashed forward, eagerly swinging his Long Spear as he charged out.

His footwork was nimble, as swift and agile as a leopard, leaving behind what seemed like an afterimage.

"Whoosh~"

Lin Qi also rushed out like lightning. With a shake of his Long Spear, it let out a buzzing hum.

A Fierce Wind howled along with the Long Spear.

Their battle was about to erupt.